THE OPPORTUNITY: Penny for Paths - Close the Gaps" will provide a dependable source of funding for the next 10 years to start closing the gaps in our multi-use paths, as well as provide needed crosswalks and pedestrian-friendly intersections. In some cases, a short stretch linking existing paths could open up miles of new opportunity for walkers and cyclists of all ages and abilities.

CURRENT STATUS: While we are lucky to have a great system to build upon, gaps in the city's sidewalks and recreation paths leave many unable to connect to the rest of South Burlington without driving. Many neighborhoods are isolated, leaving numerous residents unable to safely ride or walk to school, city parks, or our new City Center. Sometimes the gap is as short as a quarter of a mile, or a busy intersection, and sometimes it is a long stretch that lacks commuter access.

Examples of Gaps:1. The south section of Dorset Street between Old Cross Road and Sadie Lane lacks a recreation path.2. Williston Road lacks crosswalks linking the sidewalks serving the Chamberlain neighborhoods and Williston Road businesses.

On Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 residents voted to connect South Burlington's many paths and sidewalks by endorsing Penny for Paths on the ballot!

Thanks to all who helped support this initiative!

BALLOT LANGUAGE:

ARTICLE 1: APPROVAL OF 10 YEAR TAX FOR BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

Starting in FY 2020 for a period of ten years, shall the City be authorized to levy an additional one penny on the annual city tax rate, the entirety of the proceeds of which are to be deposited into a reserve fund established by the City Council for the sole purpose of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements within the City? [ ] YES [ ] NO

If Article I receives a vote in the affirmative, shall bonds of the City be issued in an amount not to exceed the anticipated proceeds of the ten year one penny tax levy on the annual city tax rate, of an anticipated total amount of $2,968,537.25, for the sole purpose of funding bicycle and pedestrian improvements within the City? [ ] YES [ ] NO

For more information, check out the FAQ or contact bikeandpedcmte@gmail.com.

The LaPlatte Crossing footbridge is a community project to link the trails of the LaPlatte Nature park on the east and west side of the LaPlatte River. A bridge design by Scott Silverstein of PERCH engineering has been approved by the Shelburne Development Review board. The building permit will allow construction of the footbridge to begin this fall, and hopefully to be completed by next spring. Actual construction will be done by an all volunteer crew.

THE OPPORTUNITY: To help make the LaPlatte Footbridge a reality! Your dollars will literally make this project happen. Your dollars will help purchase the materials needed to complete the bridge as Scott designed it.

CURRENT STATUS: $5,000 has already been raised towards the overall cost of this project. Estimated costs put this project between $10,000 - $12,000. With your donation, you can help bring that number down.

Better biking is coming to Burlington in 2017—if you stand up and speak out! Local Motion is organizing Burlington residents in support of six bike infrastructure improvement projects that are on DPW's list for this year. We want to make sure they all get done, and YOU are the key to making that happen. Click each link below, and if you like what you read, add your name in support of that project.

Local Motion is pleased to partner with Shelburne residents to document community support for making Bay Road safer for biking and walking. Bay Road is an important route for people biking & walking to school, for recreation, and for transportation, and is also a neighborhood with a long history and a strong sense of place. It will work better for everyone with a few sensible improvements.

THE OPPORTUNITY: Ask the Shelburne Selectboard to move ahead as soon as possible on practical, locally appropriate bike & walk improvements for Bay Road. This road connects the bike lanes on Route 7 with Shelburne Bay Park, the Ty Haul Path, Shelburne Farms, and Shelburne Point. It is a heavily used route for both biking and walking, and at the same time, it sees significant car traffic. The Town and the CCRPC have identified a number of possible improvements, and there are other options as well that could make a difference for biking and walking within the context of the unique character of this road.

CURRENT STATUS: Over the past few months, Town of Shelburne and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) worked to identify both near-term and longer-term improvements for biking and walking on Bay Road. The Shelburne Selectboard recently reviewed those options, and decided to hold off on taking action at this point. With a focus creative, low-cost improvements, progress could be made in the near term.